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Immediate Cognitive and Interoceptive Benefits of Yoga-Based Visual Respiratory Biofeedback in Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ramaswamy KA, Shetty S, Shetty P

Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback, 2026

102 participants

Abstract

Migraine without aura is associated with autonomic dysregulation and cognitive deficits, particularly in visuospatial cognition and interoception. Yoga-based interventions have shown promise in enhancing autonomic and cognitive functions. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of a novel yoga-based visual respiratory biofeedback (VRB) intervention on visuospatial cognition and interoception in individuals with migraine without aura. A total of 102 individuals were screened using clinical history, Migraine Screening Questionnaire (MSQ), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Sixty-four participants who met the eligibility criteria were recruited and randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups: (1) the experimental group (n = 32), which received 20 min of yogic VRB intervention involving alternate nostril yogic breathing (ANYB), and (2) the control group (n = 32), which watched a 20-minute documentary as a neutral visual stimulus. Visuospatial cognition was assessed using the Corsi Block Tapping Task, while interoception was measured with the Heartbeat Counting Task. Assessments were conducted immediately before and after the intervention. Linear Mixed Models (LMM) were used for statistical analysis to account for repeated measures. The VRB intervention significantly improved both visuospatial cognition and interoceptive accuracy in the experimental group compared to the control group. The experimental group showed a significant increase in Corsi span (t = - 3.97,…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 102 participants or records.

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